National Republican., 1887-12-15
THE CHURCH MURDER.
Tho Slayer OF James Lucas on Trial
for His Life.

Tho Slayer Of James Lucas on Trial
for His Life.
On the night Of the 18th OF last Septem-
Der, during O difficulty between Albert
Green and George Fenton and James Lucas,
In front Of tho colored church on First
street southwest, Lucas was stabbed and
subsequently died. The other two men
were arrested, afterwards indicted, and yes
terday placed at the bar Of the criminal
court to answer to the charge OF numbering
Lucas. District Attorney worthington
appeared for the government, Mr.. r. B.
Lewis for Fenton and Mr.. l.. Browning for
Green. Without much delay the following
Jury was secured to Try the cause Charles
+. b. Libbey, Donald McCathran, J. Tay.
lor Motter, Andrew Archer, james Kicks,
Henry +. Bart, Z. Il. Hickman, G. II. vii.
son, IT,, and T. II. G. Todd.
Mr.. Worthington, In presenting bis case
to the jury, after reciting the leading cir
cumstances, stated that he expected con-
yiction In the case Of Green, but as to Webb,
II the testimony. showed he. did what he
could to restrain Green, then the case
would be abandoned rs TO him.
Mr.. Lewis, on behalf Of Webb, declared
that the testimony would show that he
acted only as o peace maker.
Mr.. Browning, for his client, promised
to prove that Lucas assaulted Green both
at the saloon and church, and knocked him
from of the steps at the latter place.
DR.. Freeman j. shadd, Of Freedman's
wounds and cause Of death.
Isabella Henry, on being called, testified
that the occurrence took place at Rehoboth
Baptist Church, on First street, between M
and N southwest that there was broom
drill there; saw the defendants come into
church together. The dark one (Green)
made come remarks. Lucas spoke to, them,
but Webb said TO him not to mind Green,
for he was intoxicated. Then there was a
recess and the defendants left and went to
the corner. On their return Lucas was
behind the others and witness behind Lucas.
Heard Lucas tell the dark one (Green) not
to use such language, for there were ladies
around. Green told Luces he was not
talking to him, and then he got to curslng,
saying that before anybody should do any
thing to him he would cut their hearts out,
go to jail, and be banged for It,. johnny
Taylor and George Gray stepped up, and
witness went to the church to tell Lucas's
brother. Heard Webb say, 'Now is your
chance; go for him." Witness did not see
any blows struck, but was afraid that
Green was going to shoot.
Frances Clark testified that she was at
the broom drill. Witness was on the steps
when Lucas was hurt, and heard Greco
soy: "Yes, meant to cut the --
OF Is heart out, and will go to Jail aud
be hung before they shall do anything to
me.n
Kste Walker testified to seeing the parties
In church and reported portions Of a con-
versation that she overheard between th g
defendants, and later seeing the men In the
street. The deceased was her brotherin-
law. After the fight at the church she
asked Lucas II he was cut. He answered
that he wac not, but had been kicked. 1t
was afterwards found that he was cut.
Lucas was taken from the place where he
was hurt to his home, which was back OF the
church. The witness got there soon after
Lucas and saw where he had been cut In the
side. The next morning he was taken to
the Freedman's Hospital.
Margaret Smith, sister-in. law of the de-
ceased, saw the difficulty at the church and
gave q detailed account of the troubles
which occurred there. Albert Green used
him to 60 home, which he refused to do.
From the church the men went to Archie
Hayes's and then came back. When near
the church Lucas spoke to Green about
Safeguarding, and told him that he should
have more respect for the ladies present.
Green asked him II he wanted to take 1t up,
and Lucas replied that he did not. She
went into the church, and on coming out
saw Lucas leaning against the fence groan-
Ing seeming in great pain. She asked him
II he was cut, and he answered that he was
not, but was kicked, and that Green had
kicked him.
Anna Eliza Bird was at the church, and
went to the corner with the party, bat
knew nothing of the trouble.
Irene Rollins was passing the church, and
cav James Lucas and Green and repeated a
portion OF the conversation which passed
between them. II Is more than probable
that the jury will get the case this after
nOOn